As You Like It (1983)
by William Shakespeare
Richard Digby Day's classic take on one of Shakespeare's most well known comedies, featured some very well received performances from a stellar cast. Olympic/World Champion ice skater (and BBC Sports Personality) John Curry played a 'pleasing' Orlando, and his fellow romantic lead, Louise Jameson a 'lovely' Rosalind (The Yorkshire Post). The production also featured Abigail McKern (as Celia), who also won the SWET (now Olivier) Award for Best Supporting Actress. It was David William's Jaques that stole the show, who's performance 'ought to do down in theatrical history' due to 'exquisite timing' and 'superbly poised contemplation' (The Daily Telegraph).
The cast
John Curry
Orlando
Douglas Hodge
Dennis/Silvius
Vincenzo Nicoli
Charles
Louise Jameson
Rosalind
Abigail McKern
Celia
Paul Raffield
Touchstone
Berwick Kaler
Corin
David William
Jaques
Julie Dawn Cole
Phebe
Donald Pelmear
Adam/Sir Oliver Martext
Stephen Rayne
Oliver
Graham Chinn
Le Beau/William
James Cairncross
Duke Frederick
Robert Lister
Amiens
Stephen Newman
First Page
Francesca Longrigg
Second Page
Hamilton Wilson
Court Lord/James De Boys
David Whitworth
Orlando (until 18.06.83)
Janet Moran
Audrey
Creative team
Richard Digby Day
Director
Costume and Properties
Hugh Durrant
Music Arrangement and Direction
Ian Smith
Wrestling Director
Sumar Khan
Choreographer
Sheila Irwin
Lighting Designer
Ian Callander
Programmes and Marketing
Reviews
The Daily Telegraph
"One performance ought to do down in theatrical history. It is David William as the melancholy Jaques. Here is a philosopher of superbly poised contemplation who brings an authority elsewhere lacking on this stage, and who exquisie timing and vocal control contrive to pitch the role into the centre of the evening." "...there is a good deal of charm in the acting of Rosalind (Louise Jameson) and Celia (Abigail McKern)." "A word of warm praise, however, for two of the real rustics - Douglas Hodge and Julie Dawn Cole. They make real emotion out of being lovelorn."
The Yorkshire Post
"Richard Digby Day's direction is unobtrusively effective, as are the individual performances, in evoking the comedy and romanticism of Arden." "The role of Jaques is given a particularly fine sepulchral reading by David William - the Seven Ages oration is exquisitely spoken."